Me and my rarepair (CaraChocoLico) hc in my different AUs bc why not.
-Caramel Arrow's crush on Choco started when he was teaching her archery, but not right away. It took a bit for those feelings to develop as she was very dedicated to learning and kinda ignored those feelings. This would also be the case for the other AUs or in general.
-Dark Choco had a small crush on her before he left, but convinced himself he didn't deserve it after what he'd done. Those feelings come back after he leaves the COD but he's very conflicted because they're close to how he feels about Licorice (who it just then sinks in he abandoned like he did Caramel Arrow in the past) too. The guilt makes it harder to sort out these feelings.
- Licorice experiences his first real heartbreak when Choco leaves them, but bro doesn't even know that's what it is. He's tremendously bad at his own feelings.
- Caramel Arrow's first reaction on meeting Licorice when he finally works up the courage to leave the COD is to hit him as hard as she can. She knocks his ass out, much to Choco's shock.
-Licorice and Caramel Arrow fight a lot when they put him under her supervision. I mean a lot. He constantly makes snide remarks about the kingdom and the Watchers, throwing around insults. She hates how often he openly insults the royal family, namely Dark Cacao, but he casually bullies Choco a bit bc this was Choco's brilliant idea.
-It takes forever for CA to realize Licorice is not nearly as bad as he makes himself out to be. He's very low-key about caring for his loved ones, to the point of being verbally insulting as if he's scared to admit he cares.
-Choco had to be the one to help CA realize that Licorice's behavior is a sort of defense mechanism, only getting close to those he can't chase away. He does this through a mix of telling her how much Licorice changed as they grew closer and sneaking around with her to catch the rare moments Licorice drops his absurdly loud, "tough/evil" persona.
-Choco is the most outwardly affectionate, especially after he gains better control of his curse and isn't as scared of hurting them.. Hugs, kisses, hand holding, cuddles. He's very touch-starved from his self imposed isolation. Also says the sweetest things.
-Caramel Arrow will accept their affection almost all of the time. She rarely initiates physical affection with Choco because she never has too. He's always looking for it. With Licorice, she usually has to be the one to initiate anything at the start, but once he's more comfortable he can be just as touchy as Choco. She tends to be more affectionate in private than in public spaces or shows her love through words.
- Licorice is so used to being alone he's become just as touch-averse as he is touch-starved. He craves their validation and affection but would rather die than let himself be seen as "weak" or ask for it. Rather than touch, he'll gently prod them to take care of themselves, or do little things he thinks will make their lives easier like take over chores. Partly convinced himself that they only act like they love him.
-CA once asked Licorice about his tribe and Licorice stopped talking to her for two weeks straight. Choco had to break the news that there aren't any others left to their knowledge.
- Choco and CA bond over their determination to make Licorice feel loved. Also their determination to beat his insecure ass into oblivion and drag him back to smother him in affection when he caves under the pressure and tries to go back to the dark side.
- Licorice is very needy, clingy, whatever, but also acts like a cat with his affections. Also sometimes stands in a corner and stares at Choco/CA as if he expects them to know he wants a hug or something. He learns to be more vocal about when he wants or needs attention.
-Choco and CA are sorta kinda an established thing here. They both like each other, and acted like a really chill, put together couple even before making it semi-public.
-Since he never got cursed, Choco is much more open to their relationship and doesn't have as many fears about them being together. As a result when they aren't focused on something else, he'll shower her with affection.
-Choco gave CA permission to enter and leave his room freely, sometimes she sneaks in just for comfort cuddles. They wouldn't try anything more risky than that given the strict culture. At least not within the Citadel walls.
- Dark Cacao 100% noticed their relationship and purposely told CA to just 'make sure he comes home' if she catches Choco sneaking out of the Citadel.
-Choco is a bit naive, he tends to lean towards a more optimistic outlook than a realistic one. Caramel Arrow loves it, even though she often has to lend a more realistic opinion.
-If Choco is the optimistic one, Licorice is the pessimistic one. He's a grouchy, petty, mean-spirited, paranoid guy who assumes the worst in an unrealistic and dramatic way. But CA and Choco suspect it's mostly for show. Besides, who wouldn't be a bit of a pessimist when they're the last of their kind? Just cuddle him until he calms down and stops complaining.
-Choco started crushing on Licorice first when he didn't know who Licorice actually was. He felt extremely guilty about it and got a little sulky bc he already had CA and having feelings for the suspicious guy living in the abandoned Licorice Tribe village felt like he was betraying her.
-CA started crushing on Licorice after the few times he invited her to stay when Choco was away (also before they knew). But she didn't figure it out until Dark Choco admitted to his new crush while acting like he'd committed a horrible crime and she found she wasn't bothered by the idea at all.
-Licorice's crush starts before he knows who they really are too. But he isn't sure if they're genuine feelings towards them or just him clinging to them to ease the loneliness he feels.
